John Mehr
John M. Mehr, 88, of St. Martin, died on Friday, May 30, 2003, at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany.

Funeral services was at 11 am on Tuesday, June 3, at St. Martin Catholic Church. The Rev. Julian Schmiesing OSB, Rev. Henry Miller OSC, Rev. Joseph Miller and Rev. Robert Wieber OSB concelebrated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

John was born on Jan. 11, 1915, in Zion Township, Stearns County, to Michael and Ann (Schmitz) Mehr. He married Leona C. Miller on Nov. 18, 1940, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. He farmed in Zion Township all of his life.

John was a member of St. Martin parish, St. Joseph Men's Society, St. Benedict's Society, and Knights of Columbus Council 3820.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Father Richard Leisen officiated. Burial was in St. Martin Cemetery.

Leona was born on Nov. 26, 1920, in Lafayette, Minn., the daughter of Frank and Maria Hacker. She grew up in Lafayette where she attended school. At the age of 18, she moved to New Ulm and began work in a clothing factory. On Aug. 12, 1944, she was united in marriage to Leonard Franke in Sleepy Eye, Minn. They made their home and farmed in the area.

After her husband's death, Leona traveled and lived with her children before becoming a resident of Assumption Nursing Home in Cold Spring in September 2002.

She enjoyed reading, embroidery work, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Leona is survived by four daughters, Barbara Monks of Paynesville, Rose Miller of Decatur, Georgia, Joan (Dale) Riddle of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Bert Franke of Paynesville; one son, Emil Franke of Paynesville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard on Dec. 16, 1976; one daughter, Ann; two grandsons; four brothers, William, Ervin, Edwin, and Anthony Hacker; and her parents.

Harold Fischbach
Harold A. Fischbach, 82, of Paynesville, died on Friday, May 30, 2003 at his home.

Funeral services were on Monday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Reverend Richard Leisen officiated. Entombment was in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery Mausoleum.

Harold was born on Feb. 13, 1921, in Richmond to John and Christine (Hemmesch) Fischbach. He married Rita Hoppe on Nov. 20, 1945, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Harold was employed as a USDA inspector for 37 years, retiring in 1984.

He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 3820, St. Louis Parish, and served as an usher. His main interests were his children and grandchildren, sports, gardening and playing his harmonica.

Steven Nordmann
Steven Nordmann, 40, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, in Dundas, Minn., from injuries due to a motorcycle accident.

Services were at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Steven was born in St. Martin to Cyril and Lorraine (Hieserich) Nordmann. He graduated from Albany High School in 1981 and received his masters degree from St. Cloud State University in Criminal Justice in 1986. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, he worked for the INS in Bloomington, Minn., where for the last couple of years he was a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

He was a member of the Catholic Aid Association.

Steven enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, water skiing, and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents; brothers and sisters, Diane (Gerald) Lang of Kimball, Michael of Eden Valley, Dennis of St. Joseph, Gary (Linda) of St. Joseph, Mary Kay (Jim) Kotschevar of St. Martin, Linda (Jim) Varner of Becker, and Nancy (Glen) Schellinger of St. Cloud; grandmother, Thecla Hieserich; and 19 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Al Hieserich, and Ben and Emma (Derichs) Nordmann.

Dale Halvorson
Dale Halvorson, 74, of Meridian, Idaho, died on Monday, May 12, 2003, at a Boise hospital.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minn.

Dale was born Oct. 22, 1928, in Litchfield to Ernest and Agnes Halvorson. Throughout his life, he was a factory representative serving the auto industry. Even after retirement, he enjoyed helping customers at Auto Zone parts stores. He loved to golf and fish.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy; one daughter, Sharon (Ric) Fuchs of Paynesville; one son, Robert Halvorson of Grove City; stepson, David (Melinda) Legg of Murrieta, Calif; one brother, Oliver (Darlene) Halvorson of Litchfield; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepdaughter, Lexa Whitmore; and an infant son, Robert George.

Innocent Heinen
Innocent H. Heinen, 80, of Watkins, died on Sunday, May 25, 2003, at the Hilltop Care Center in Watkins.

Mass of Christan Burial was held on Wednesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Innocent was born on Oct. 16, 1922, in Lake Henry to Bernard and Mary (Loecken) Heinen. He married Florence Mareck on Oct. 8, 1946, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa. They farmed in Lake Henry prior to moving to Watkins.

He was employed at Cold Spring Granite for 17 years. He also held employment at A.M. Maus and Sons in Kimball, Shop Master, Twin City Monorail, and Green Giant. During his retirement years, he did snow plowing and garden tilling.

Innocent was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins and served as head usher for many years. He was also a member of the Watkins Senior Citizens and a former member of the Watkins Sportsmen's Club, serving as president in 1966. He volunteered his time with Impact as a youth gardening mentor, Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, veteran's organizations, and at the Hilltop Care Center for 20 years. In 2000, he was awarded the Meeker County Volunteer of the Year award.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Charles; a sister, Lillian Schmitz; two infant sisters; and an infant brother.

Harold Morris
Harold Dean Morris, 63, of Paynesville, died on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, in Paynesville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Fr. Richard Leisen officiated. Entombment was in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum with full military honors provided by the Paynesville American Legion Post 271.

Harold was born on July 8, 1939, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Harold H. and Marcella (Immerfall) Morris. He graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1961. He married Mary Ellen O'Connell on July 18, 1964, in St. Thomas, Minn.

He began a 34-year postal career in St. Cloud in 1962. He was assistant postmaster at the Willmar Post Office from 1976 until 1978 when he was appointed postmaster in Paynesville. He retired in August 1996.

Harold was past president of St. Cloud Toastmasters, past chairman of the Paynesville United Charities, past president and treasurer of the Paynesville Lions Club, past treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 34, past parish council member and usher at St. Louis Catholic Church, current treasurer of the St. Cloud chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3820, American Legion Post 271, the Moose, Eagles, and Elks.

Harold is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen of Paynesville; three sons, David (Catherine) of Moscow, Russia, Jared (Jodi) of Portland, Ore., and Scott of Minneapolis; a sister, Mary Ann (Arol) Tourres of Metairie, Lousiana; and two brothers, Bill (Rose) of St. Cloud and Bob of Avon.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Virgil Rausch
Virgil J. Rausch, 71, died Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at the Country Manor in Sartell, Minn.

Funeral services were at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Minn. Rev. Alfred Stangl officiated. Inter-ment was in the Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Virgil was born on Sept. 3, 1931, to Math and Alvina (Jonas) Rausch in Richmond. He grew up in St. Martin and was employed at the Math Rausch Store and Produce for many years. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves in Paynesville.

He has been a resident of St. Cloud since 1973. He was employed at the Piggly Wiggly in Waite Park in the produce department and then as a shipping clerk at Stearns Manufacturing in Sauk Rapids for 26 years until retiring.

He was a former member of the St. Martin Volunteer Fire Depart-ment and a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Virgil is survived by his brothers, Stan (Pat) of Sartell and Mathias (Ann) of St. Michael; sisters, Eileen Rausch of St. Cloud and Norma Ann Roos of St. Paul; one nephew; and six nieces.

Eileen Schleper
Eileen Ann Schleper, 63, of Paynesville, died Monday, May 12, 2003, at her home in Paynesville.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Father Richard Leisen officiated. Interment was in the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

Eileen was born May 29, 1939, in Lake Henry Township, the daughter of Alfred and Lidwina (Mehr) Spanier. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. She grew up on the family farm in Lake Henry Township, attended District #63 school, and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1957.

From 1957 to 1959 she worked in St. Paul for Catholic Aid. She married Charlie Schleper on Oct. 8, 1960, in Lake Henry. Following their marriage they lived in Mankato and various communities in the five-state area while Charlie worked for NSP. In 1965, they returned to Paynesville where they farmed for several years. In 1990, they retired and moved into Paynesville.
Eileen was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church where she belonged to Catholic Aid.

Tom Berg
Ingolf Thomas "Tom" Berg, 58, of Farmington and Lake Koronis, died May 11, 2003, after a battle with brain cancer.

The funeral service were at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Farmington Lutheran Church. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Tom was born on Oct. 2, 1944, in Madelia, Minn., the son of Ingolf and Bessie (Pollei) Berg. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia where he grew up and attended school. In 1962, Tom graduated from Madelia High School and graduated in 1968 from Mankato Technical College as a draftsperson.

On Dec. 3, 1966, Tom married Karen Arndt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia. Tom served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1971, they moved to Farmington.

Tom was employed at Dakota Electric Association for 31 years, serving most recently as an engineering custom design manager.

He was a member of Farmington Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, property committee, choir, and as an usher.

Tom enjoyed wood working and the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Farmington; a son, Greg (Angie) of St. Cloud; a daughter, Deann (Kurt) Elfering of Richmond; a sister Mary (Berg) Downs of Paynesville; a niece; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Oliver Herzberg
Oliver Raymond Herzberg, 82, of Paynesville, died on Saturday, May 10, 2003, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Ric Koehn officiated. Interment was in the Paynesville Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the Paynesville American Legion Post #271.

Oliver was born July 10, 1920, in Paynesville, the son of Otto and Alvina (Bauman) Herzberg. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Evangelical Church and grew up on the family farm near Paynesville. He attended the Brown country school. During World War II, Ole served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. During this time he served in five campaigns.

On Sept. 25, 1947, he married Sadie Kruger at the Assembly Grounds Chapel in Paynesville. From 1953 to 1956, they lived in White Bear Lake, then moving to Stillwater where they lived until 1958. Since 1958, they have lived in the Paynesville area.

Ole worked as a dairyman for several dairy operations and for 33 years he was manager for the Koronis Mills/Earl B. Olson Turkey Farms, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he was the head usher for 15 years. He was also a member of the Paynesville American Legion Post #271 and he volunteered at the Paynesville FoodShelf and at the city ice skating rink.

Ole is survived by his wife, Sadie of Paynesville; son, Neil and fianceŽ Donna Ogdahl of Paynesville; six brothers, Reinholdt (Grace) of Willamina, Ore., Gordon of Salem, Ore., Nobel of Eugene, Ore., Arthur (Peggy) of St. Paul, Erwin of Iron River, Mich., and Edwin of White Bear Lake; and two sisters, Marcella (Vern) Frank of Paynesville and Evelyn Smith of Susquehanne, Penn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; four brothers, Elmer, Harold, Norman, and Clifford; and two sisters, Mabel Grochow and Adeline Peters.

Luella Olson
Agnes Luella Olson, 91, of New London, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at Glen Oaks Care Center in New London.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at Zion-Irving Lutheran Church, rural Hawick. Rev. Linda Lagergren officiated. Inurnment was in the church cemetery.

Luella was born Jan. 31, 1912, in Union Grove Township, near Paynesville. She was the oldest child of Anton and Laura (Pederson) Randall. She grew up in Meeker County and attended school at District #19. In 1929 she graduated from Paynesville High School. In 1958, she graduated from St. Cloud Teacher's College. Afterwards she taught school in several rural schools.

On Sept. 28, 1937, Luella was married to Melvin Olson at Zion-Irving Lutheran Church. Melvin and Luella farmed in Irving Township until 1946 when they moved to Willmar where Melvin was a painting contractor. While in Willmar, they were members of Vinje Lutheran Church where she served as a member of the board of parish education. In 1951, they returned to the farm and remained there until 1966. In 1966, they moved to New London. Luella moved to Glen Oaks Village Apartments in New London in 1986.

In 1957, Luella resumed teaching, serving at several rural schools and also at Paynesville Elementary until her retirement, During this time she also continued her college education, receiving a bachelor of science degree from St. Cloud State College in 1968.

Luella was an active member of Zion-Irving Lutheran Church, serving for several years as Sunday school superintendent, ladies' aid president, and a founding member of the perpetual fund for maintenance of the church cemetery.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. Alan (Jan) Olson of Boston, Mass., Dr. Randall Olson of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Brian (Bonnie) Olson of St. Paul; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1986; and brothers, Kermit and Philip Randall.

Marian Putzke
Marian Putzke, 87, of Paynesville, died on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Rev. Ric Koehn officiated. Inurnment was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Marian was born April 1, 1916, the daughter of George and Emelie (Bork) Voss, and spent all her life in the Paynesville Community. She grew up on a farm east of Paynesville, attended grade school in the area, and graduated from Paynesville High School. On Sept. 30, 1939, she married Harold Putzke.

Marian was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she was a pianist, organist, singer, and a member of the bell choir. She was a member of the church choir for 58 years. She was also a member of the Paynesville Hospital Auxiliary where she served as treasurer for over 20 years. Marian was a charter member of the Rebekah Lodge in Paynesville, joining in 1955. She held all the local lodge offices and also served as district deputy president, state treasurer for 18 years, and was on the board of directors of the Minnesota Odd Fellow Home.

Marian is survived by her husband, Harold of Paynesville; sons, Dwight of Paynesville and Dwayne (Valynn) of Washington; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Arlie Voss; and sisters, Miranda Gordon, Lucinda Lewerenz, Pearl Holtz, and Bernice Voss.

Clara Borsheim
Clara Petrine Borsheim, 102, of Paynesville, died on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at Nordland Lutheran Church, rural Paynesville. Rev. Keith Ainsley officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Clara was born March 13, 1901, to Edvard and Kari (Lida) Sunde on the family farm in Roseville Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Nordland Lutheran Church were she was a lifelong member.

Clara attended school at District #97 and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1919. She then earned a teaching certificate from St. Cloud Normal School and taught rural school near Paynesville and elementary school in Monticello and Warren, Minnesota.

On June 24, 1927, Clara married Peter Borsheim at Nordland Lutheran Church. They made their home on the Borsheim family farm in Irving Township until 1948 when they moved to New London. In 1959, they retired to a home near Lake Koronis where they lived until entering the Koronis Manor in 1980.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Caroline Melhus of Minneapolis; four granddaughters; a grandson; two great-grandsons; a brother, Henry Sunde of Paynesville; and many other relativies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Peter in 1984; an infant daughter; five sisters, Jennie Nelson, Emma Christenson, Stella Christenson, Ruby Borsheim, and Esther Jacobson; and three brothers, Conrad, John, and George Sunde.

Amanda Vadnais
Amanda M. Vadnais, 98, of West St. Paul, died on Saturday, May 3, 2003.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at Faith United Methodist Church in West St. Paul. Interment was at General Lutheran Cemetery.

She is survived by a daughter, Violet (Lloyd) Sachs, six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Florence Potter of Paynesville; three brothers, Delmar, Arlie, and Marvin Liestman; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Leo Vadnais and Lawrence Ketcham; four children, Martin, Mae and Reuben Ketcham, and Ruth Palme; two brothers, Norman and Lawrence Liestman; and a sister, Edna Schultz.